You're staring out your window when suddenly the sky darkens. Dozens of black birds descend on your neighborhood oak tree, cawing like crazy. Later, you google "what do you call a group of crows?" because "bunch of noisy birds" doesn't sound very scientific. If you've ever wondered about the official term for a flock of crows called murder – yes, murder – you're not alone. I remember first hearing this term at summer camp when our counselor pointed at a tree full of crows and said "Check out that murder!" We kids thought she'd watched too many crime dramas.
Why Is It Called a Murder of Crows?
Turns out, calling a group of crows a murder isn't some modern slang. This term dates back to 15th-century England where folklore linked crows to death and bad omens. Farmers noticed crows gathering near battlefield corpses or animal carcasses – pretty grim stuff. Medieval poets ran with it, creating collective nouns called "terms of venery." While deer groups became "herds" and lions formed "prides," crows got stuck with "murder." Honestly, I think it's unfair branding. Last spring I saw a murder of crows chasing off a hawk that tried raiding their nest. Looked more like a neighborhood watch than killers to me.
Historical Terms for Animal Groups
| Animal | Group Name | Origin Era | Why It Stuck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crows | Murder | 15th-century England | Folklore associating crows with death |
| Ravens | Unkindness | Medieval times | Belief they abandoned young |
| Owls | Parliament | 19th century | C.S. Lewis' anthropomorphism |
| Magpies | Tiding | Middle Ages | Superstitions about news-bearing |
Beyond the Murder: Other Names for Crow Groups
Surprise! "Murder" isn't the only term for a flock of crows called together. Depending on behavior and location, you might hear:
- Horde - When hundreds gather at roosting sites (seen this during winter in Ontario - looked like feathery black snow)
- Parcel - Smaller family units foraging together
- Storytelling - Rare poetic term when crows are vocalizing
- Congress
Crow vs Raven: Spot the Difference
People constantly mix these up. Last month my cousin insisted the huge birds by her dumpster were crows – nope, too big! Here's how to tell:
Feature American Crow Common Raven Size 17-21 inches 22-27 inches Beak Shape Straight, crowbar-like Curved with shaggy throat feathers Flight Style Steady wingbeats Glides frequently Tail Shape Fan-shaped Wedge-shaped Group Name Murder Unkindness or conspiracy Why Do Crows Flock Together?
Ever notice how some days you see solo crows, other times the whole gang shows up? Their gathering habits are strategic:
- Winter Roosts - Thousands huddle for warmth (saw -30°C roosts in Manitoba – smart birds!)
- Mobbing Predators - They swarm hawks or owls in coordinated attacks
- Food Sharing - Young crows follow parents to learn foraging spots
- Funerals - Seriously! They investigate dead crows to detect threats
That last one? Researchers from University of Washington confirmed it. When a murder of crows discovers a dead member, they alarm-call and sometimes avoid the area for weeks. Makes you wonder what they know.
Crow Behavior Through Seasons
- Spring - Breeding pairs establish territories
- Summer - Family groups with fledglings forage together
- Fall - Massive pre-migration roosts form
- Winter - Communal nighttime roosts conserve heat
Crows in Culture: Omens or Geniuses?
Depending where you live, a murder of crows might give you chills or make you smile. In Native American traditions, crows are shape-shifting tricksters – the ultimate survivors. Celtic lore views them as battlefield messengers. But Japanese shrines consider them good luck. Personally, after watching crows solve puzzles faster than my dog? I'm team genius.
Urban Crow Problems (And Solutions)
Got dive-bombing crows during nesting season? Been there. Effective deterrents:
- Reflective tape on trees (works until they get used to it)
- Covering compost bins (they memorized my schedule!)
- Non-lethal lasers at dusk (check local wildlife laws)
- Providing water away from homes (they prefer birdbaths over gutters)
Important note: Crows are protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act – harming them brings federal fines. Better to outsmart them ethically.
Crow Intelligence That Will Shock You
These aren't your average birds. University studies prove crows:
- Recognize human faces (they warned each other about me after I pruned their nest tree)
- Use tools (twigs to extract insects)
- Pass knowledge across generations
- Understand water displacement (Aesop's fable experiment)
Bet you didn't expect that when you searched "what is a flock of crows called." Makes the murder seem more like a think tank!
Crow FAQs: What People Really Want to Know
How many crows make a murder?
No strict number. Typically 5-15 birds, but I've seen 40+ called a murder. It's about behavior - if they're mobbing predators or gathering ominously.Is seeing a flock of crows bad luck?
Modern biologists say no. But historically, large groups near homes signaled disease outbreaks (because crows scavenged corpses). Today? Probably just means your neighbor's garbage blew open.Why does a murder of crows gather around my house?
Three likely reasons: 1) Roosting site (tall trees), 2) Food source (pet food/compost), 3) Nesting territory. Track their activity patterns.What's the difference between a murder and an unkindness?
A murder refers to crows specifically. An unkindness describes ravens - though both are corvids. Size and behavior differ as shown earlier.Can I befriend crows?
Yes, but go slow. Start by leaving unsalted peanuts at consistent times. Avoid eye contact initially. A Seattle family gained crow trust over 2 years - now they get trinkets as gifts!Beyond the Label: Why Names Matter Less Than Behavior
Observing these birds reveals more than any term could. I once watched a murder of crows drop nuts on a crosswalk, wait for cars to crack them open, then retrieve the meat during red lights. That's not a murder - that's a street gang running a nut-cracking racket. Whether you call them a murder, horde, or just "those clever black birds," their intelligence challenges how we perceive animal minds. So next time someone asks what a flock of crows is called, tell them "murder" - but add they're more likely planning a heist than committing crimes.
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